Children's literature can be an effective tool for addressing the growing concerns about physical, verbal, and relational bullying in schools. Though bullying has been traditionally dismissed by some as "just a part of growing up," most educators today understand that it is a pervasive problem with damaging effects on all members of the school community.

The use of literature to address bullying can benefit students of all ages by improving their ability to understand and cope with problems, helping them to develop personal and social judgment, and increasing social sensitivity, empathy, and respect for others.

This issue of Curriculum Connections provides educators with background about bullying in U.S. schools, an extensive bibliography of selected children's books that deal with bullying, and strategies for selecting literature that is appropriate and effective for classroom use. In addition, instructional activities are offered for a variety of books that can be used in kindergarten through high school to increase empathy and help students to respond constructively to bullying that that they observe or experience in their communities.